Human Resources

With 465 staff employed at December, 2002, Sligo County Council is one of the largest employers in the North West Region. The Council recognises the importance of its workforce, and the Human Resources Section endeavours to recruit qualified staff and provide appropriate incentives and a suitable work environment to retain these staff. Benefits offered include flexible working hours, contributory pension scheme, generous annual leave, job-sharing, training and development and promotional opportunities.

Sligo County Council’s H.R. Section is responsible for recruitment both for the Council and for Sligo Borough Council. In 2002, 39 Interview Boards (93 in 2001) were set up to interview candidates to fill various vacancies in both local authorities (both external and internal competitions). These independent interview boards were selected by the County Manager to recommend the most suitable candidates for employment or promotion in accordance with national regulations.

During 2002 as in previous years, the Council operated a Work Placement Scheme for students in schools and colleges with 19 students being given the opportunity to work in various areas of Sligo County Council. In addition, 14 students pursuing engineering/ planning qualifications availed of work experience programmes during the summer. These schemes are extremely beneficial to both parties involved, as both knowledge and new ideas are exchanged.

The Human Resources Section also implements on a day to day basis the following functions:

• Industrial Relations,
• Development and implementation of staff training,
• Staff Welfare.

Industrial Relations

During 2002 Sligo County Council through the H.R. Section continued to work with Unions and staff representatives to achieve good working relationships and to reconcile conflicting demands with the minimum of conflict. This was maintained by

• Processing/negotiation of Union Claims,
• Implementing nationally negotiated or local agreements on pay and conditions of employment,
• Preparing cases for the Labour Relations Commission, Labour Court, Rights Commissioners or other statutory appeal tribunal hearings

Development and Implementation of Staff Training

A Training & Development Officer for both Sligo Authorities was appointed in August. His role is to formulate and implement training strategies that are integrated with corporate strategies and overall Human Resource policy and to improve individual and organisational effectiveness through the identification of training needs and the provision of further education and training opportunities for all members of staff.
 
During September presentations were given to staff at Partnership Meetings at various venues in the County and in the Borough Council, which covered background to the training function and the role of the training officer in such areas as:

• Preparing Annual Training and Development plans
• Implementing training initiatives
• Developing in-house expertise

One of the first tasks was to set up a training Programme for the rest of the year.

The initial focus was to put together and deliver an Induction Training Programme for all staff recruited in recent years who had not received formal induction training.

This programme which included a Customer Service module was delivered over three weeks at the end of October and early November, 2002. 70 staff attended the programme and the feedback was very positive.

Other courses held were as follows:

• Effective Writing Skills
• Supervisory Skills Training
• Briefing on Building Regulations
• Workshops on Awareness of Bullying
• Quickstart Management

The year 2002 saw the completion of A Training and Development Needs Analysis by the Institute of Public Administration. Sligo County Council and three other local authorities acted as Pilots for the project. The results of this Analysis will act as a catalyst for implementing the Training and Development Plan for all staff and will be facilitated by the Training and Development Officer.

A Local Training Committee was formed in October, 2002 with representatives from the various disciplines across the organisation and its role includes co-ordinating the implementation of Training activities and ensuring that the training meets the needs of both Local Authorities. This Committee met on two occasions during the year.

Over the coming year, it is intended to focus on the following:

• Customer Service Training
•  Management/Leadership Training
• Personal Development - Supervisory Skills (for Indoor & Outdoor staff)
• Staff Information Sessions i.e. Awareness of policies/Legislation.
• Computer Training (for Indoor and Outdoor Staff)
• Return to Learning Programme
• Health & Safety Training
• Technical Training (Map Info.)

Staff continue to undertake the Certificate course in Local Government Studies run in conjunction with the Institute of Public Administration. To date over 100 staff have successfully completed the course, with 23 currently studying for same. In addition, 4 staff are currently undertaking a Higher Certificate course in Local Government Studies. In addition,the Council has facilitated over 200 staff members in completing the ECDL course to date. It is proposed to offer the course to a further 50 staff in 2003.

A comprehensive programme of ‘Roadwork Training’ has been developed on a partnership basis by FAS, Department of the Environment and Local Government, Local Authority Personnel, The National Roads Authority and the Local Government Management Services Board. The training programmes are based on a modular format, which allows participants flexibility and facilitates the process of staff training without too much time away from operational tasks.

A key aspect of the training is that staff who complete a number of core modules will qualify for a National Certificate for Road Workers which is awarded by FETAC.

During 2002, the following progress was achieved in the delivery of the modules set out as follows:

 In 2003, the Council will continue to deliver the above courses and also propose to add the following new modules:

• Winter Maintenance
• Flexible pavement construction

A Staff Education Scheme will be introduced in 2003 to assist staff with their self-development. Funding towards part-time courses which are relevant, and provide a recognised second or third level qualification will be provided (subject to budget). 

Staff Welfare

The Human Resources Section in 2002 continued to assist staff members in making available to them opportunities to Job-Share, take Career Breaks, Special Leave, Parental Leave, etc.

Sligo County Council’s Human Resources Section has developed and put in place in accordance with employment equality legislation, policies with regard to Workplace Bullying and Sexual Harassment.

An equal opportunities policy is also in place which outlines the Council’s commitment to treat and develop all its staff equally irrespective of sex, martial status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, colour, race, nationality or membership of the travelling community.

The Human Resource Section in 2002 has continued to work with the Equality Action Team to deal with all equality issues in a fair and impartial manner.

Long Service Awards

The Human Resources Section, in conjunction with the Partnership Committee, during 2002, organised presentations to staff in recognition of their service to the local authority. Between 2002 and early 2003, 168 awards have been presented.

Sligo County Council Staff

Sligo County Council extends its appreciation to the following staff who retired or left the service in 2002.

Kenneth McKenna, Driver
Denis O’Hara, Craftworker
Patrick Hoey, Plant Operator Ross Levis, Assistant Chief Fire Officer
Patrick Carr, General Operative
Mark Henry, Retained Firefighter
Mickey Curran, Retained Firefighter
Marie Casey, Student Replacement IT
Maura Barnacle, Staff Officer
Patricia Candon, Clerical Officer
Sally Ward, Branch Librarian
Una McCarthy, Director of Model Arts and Niland Gallery
Marian Neary, Clerical Officer
Maureen Bloxham, Clerical Officer
Damien Doherty, Community and Enterprise Development Officer
Eileen Gibbons Senior Executive Technician
Enda O’Brien, Temporary Assistant Engineer
Catherine McGuinn Clerical Officer
Catherine Gallagher, Clerical Officer
Karen Kilfeather, Clerical Officer
Paul Cullen, Architectural/Building Technician Grade 11

Sligo County Council also remembers former staff who passed away during 2002.
William Woods
Paul Clarke
Michael McTiernan
Frank Kennedy

Sligo County Council welcomes the following staff who joined during 2002.
Terry Rooney, Administrative Officer
Patrick Clerkin, Clerical Officer
Aileen Noone, Clerical Officer
Bartley Gavin, Senior Executive Engineer
Barry Ward, Assistant Planner
Derek Sweeney, Clerical Officer
Fionnuala Duignan, Clerical Officer
Brian Flynn, Executive Engineer
Joanne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer
Karen Elliott, Clerical Officer
Ray Lavin, Financial Management Accountant
Michael Guckian, Civil Technician